When David faced the giant with only a sling and five smooth stones, what made him different than the other men of Israel? He was younger than most – true. He was a shepherd not a soldier like many of them – also true. He was not very large – seems to be true. He had fought and killed lions and bears – true as well. Yet, none of these were the major difference. The major difference between David and the rest of the men of Israel was attitude!
Listen to the reaction of the army of Israel: First Samuel 17:10-11 reads, “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.”
Now listen to the words of David, the young shepherd: First Samuel 17:32-37 says:
And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
Again, I repeat, the difference in David and the men of the army of Israel was attitude! With what attitude will you face the tasks, troubles and burdens that may come your way today? Will you quake, shiver and shake at the thought of them and let them overwhelm you? Or, will you put them into the hand of the living God that can kill the lion, the bear and the giant if you will let Him work through you? Attitude check! What is your attitude today?
